If you are coasting, be ready for the descent …

Planes cannot coast forever. At some point, they just run out of lift, and begin a descent – a very quick descent – and hopefully the pilot is strong enough to pull the plane out of the coast or a stall.

So it is in life & career. Some just elect to coast through their life and career, taking things as they come, but not putting the engines on in full thrust. It might be a comfortable ride – but it will end and without a good plan of action backed by goals, the decent is rapid – and often unexpected. We see it every day – friends & family who are content to be unfulfilled and complacent.

Then turbulence appears – and it is least expected. The people with resolution will grow and improve. They will have the thrust to pull out of turbulence and outmaneuver the challenges presented to them. They find their way and turn up the thrust that they had in reserve for the right moment. They move in a new direction – they find their smooth air where they are most efficient and productive.

If this is you, how do you get out of the coasting flight plan?

It is all about having the reserve “fuel” – the drive – to turn the thrusters on when you need to change direction or correct a situation. Pilots wait for the right weather and flight conditions to achieve their best and most efficient ride. So should you.

What should be included in your flight plan?

A clear understanding of your purpose in career & life

A plan of where you want to be – your goal

A set of actions to achieve this – focused continually on your purpose & goals, and with specific actions.

Your commitment – on all levels – to achieve.

Coasting? Settled? Not growing? Your choices: Stay on that course and hope you can get through the turbulence or, better choice: have your flight plan ready and turn on the engines full throttle ahead. Maneuver through opportunities when you have the thrust or power. Try a different path if that is what is needed. Soar higher than ever before.